Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1931-1935, Part 28

Author: Agawam (Mass. : Town)
Publication date: 1931
Publisher: Agawam (Mass. : Town)
Number of Pages: 812


USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1931-1935 > Part 28


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30


RECOMMENDATIONS


Making a major improvement in the school building or equipment each year seems like a rational policy to fol- low. There are two improvements I should very much like to see made. The first one is needed badly if this high school is to retain its high rating by the state depart- ment of education. We should have built into the east


117


wall of the main study hall a series of book shelves made flush with the wall, and sufficient money should be made available for the purchasing of an adequate working li- brary. A good beginning could be made on this very essential material for $500. The value of such an improve- ment must be obvious to all who are cognizant of the new trends in educational procedure.


Secondly, we have a real need for sound moving picture equipment in the auditorium. This recommendation has been made before and the need for this excellent teaching tool continues to grow. Reasonably satisfactory equipment could be installed for six or seven hundred dollars, as we already have a high grade sound screen. These expendi- tures would place our high school equipment in the high- est of the state's classifications.


SOME NOTEWORTHY SCHOOL EVENTS OF THE PAST YEAR, JANUARY 2, 1935 TO JANUARY 2, 1936


1934-35 Basketball Games, December 14 to February 26. (Won 10 games, lost 7)


Teachers' Club Card Party, January 17.


Sophomore Assembly, January 31. Episodes from ten well-known books.


Senior Play. "Skidding", February 15.


State College Basketball Tournament, March 5 to 9. (Went to finals.)


Dramatic Club Assembly, April 4.


Sophomore Party, April 12. P. T. A. Frolic, April 22.


118


Freshman Assembly, April 23. Minstrel Show.


One-Act Play Contest at Ludlow High, April 25. (Won by Agawam.)


Student Council Dance, April 26.


Baseball Games, May 7 to June 7. (Won 1 game, lost 7.)


Twin State One-Act Play Contest at Palmer High, May 10.


Junior Music and Folk Dance Festival at the Coliseum, May 17.


Junior Prom, May 24. (114 couples.)


Commercial Contest at Northampton, May 25. (Won by Agawam.)


Senior Banquet, June 17.


Class Night, June 18.


Graduation, June 20. (73 graduates.) Dr. Charles R. Brown of Yale, speaker.


Football Games, September 21 to November 9. (Won 5 games, lost 2.)


Senior Assembly, October 24. "Only Yesterday".


Junior Cabaret, November 1.


Operetta, November 22. "The Moon Maiden".


Football Banquet, December 19.


Christmas Assembly, December 20. "Why The Chimes Rang".


And finally, I should like to express my belief that what- ever success and reputation this high school has now, or will achieve later, is due primarily to the whole-hearted working together of every person connected with our sys- tem. Faculty assignments have not been carried out in a perfunctory manner, but rather, the welfare and improve-


119


ment of the institution as a whole has been the continuing challenge. No one has been wary of doing more than he was paid for, and there has been an innate determination that the school should make its maximum contribution to the young people of this town. I venture to say that this comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the en- tire educational situation is that priceless ingredient which is so essential to a vitalized and effective school program.


Respectfully submitted, · F. EARL WILLIAMS, Principal


120


REPORT OF MUSIC DEPARTMENT


To the Superintendent of Schools :


Here is the report for the Music Department of the . Agawam Public Schools :


During the year 1935 some new heights were reached in the performance of music by the children of Agawam. The same high standard of quality in music has been main- tained and in some groups there has been a marked im- provement in rendition. Our own course of study has been carried on through the grades and Junior High School with the assistance of Miss Deely and the elementary school principals and teachers. Cooperation with other school departments in preparing music for assemblies, plays, sports, and club programs forms a regular part of the schedule. I shall mention a few of the more out- standing events.


The Annual Song-Fest given by the children of all the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth grades demonstrated what child- ren can do with a program of excellent music. Their sing- ing of Largo by Handel was an inspiration, and the whole program was of high caliber. This Song-Fest is of value not only as a musical event but as an excellent opportunity for social integration for the different sections of the town.


In May, the Kiwanis Club of Springfield sponsored a Song-Fest for High Schools in this section of the Con- necticut Valley. Agawam's quota was one hundred singers, and six players for the orchestra. It was the first event of its kind to be carried out in such large numbers


121


and our representatives enjoyed it immensely. The usual Recital for Commencement was very fine, due in part to the unusual talent of some members of the orchestra and to the faithful work of all. The chorus sang "And the Glory of the Lord" from the Messiah by Handel.


This fall the operetta, "The Moon Maiden", was pre- sented by the High School music students. By unanimous opinion it was voted to be one of the prettiest and most finished productions ever staged here.


Christmas as usual marked a high point in the music department. Santa Claus songs in the lower grades, carols of various countries in the higher grades, and carols and solos of greater difficulty by the girls' vested choir in their Candlelight Program at the Christmas Assembly.


Since the High School Chorus has grown so large, we have started a Girls' Glee Club which meets at 8:15 every Wednesday morning. This is for the benefit of the more talented people who want to do more specialized work than the regular chorus permits, and is entirely voluntary.


In looking over the needs of the Music Department to- day there seem to be three things that call for attention : first, a grand piano for the Auditorium ; second, a course in Music Appreciation; and third, a Band. These are all in accordance with modern educational policies.


Our present piano has given good service but is simply worn out. We need a grand rather than an upright piano be- cause that would be more useful. A grand piano could be put in front of the stage without interfering with the view of the audience and would be of far greater help to the performer than the upright now in use over in the cor- ner. With this idea in mind, the Music Department is ready and willing to do its share in earning the money necessary. Already we have a fund started for this piano. An appropriation for this end would indeed be gratifying.


122


The course in Music Appreciation is something that would be of value and give pleasure to people not only now but in the years to come when their use of leisure time must be taken care of in a worth-while way. I quote from a current book: "Music, at once a solace and a social pastime, is perhaps the most satisfying of all hobbies, for it knits man to his neighbor, withdraws him from the world of affairs, yet keeps him with humanity-". (Music in Everyday Life by Eric Clarke).


The band is something which would not benefit as many people but is indeed worthy for the talented ones. This would be a help to the orchestra too for many of the same instruments could be played in both. Our need for instru- ments is one of the direct effects of the depression. It has been impossible for parents in the recent financial difficulty to provide instruments and lessons for their children. As a result, we shall have fewer people in orchestra and band, and unless we have an appropriation so that the school will own these instruments we shall have less instrumental music.


In conclusion, may I say that the service we are trying to render through music is in advancing knowledge, under- standing, and enjoyment of music as a possession in com- mon. It is a policy of music for the many, rather than for the few: first to encourage the wish for it, than to gratify that wish.


Respectfully submitted,


RUTH A. PERRY,


Supervisor of Music


123


REPORT OF THE ART DEPARTMENT


l'o the Superintendent of Schools :


The art work of the Elementary Schools the past year has been the correlation of drawing, lettering, decorating and handwork with the subject matter and activities of the grade. Notebooks, posters, sandtable models, special exhibitions, classroom and building decorations have been made to illustrate and present in a graphic form units of work in Reading, Geography, History, Transportation, Nature Study and Conservation, Safety and Health. Art in this way becomes a means of clearer understanding of the subject, a help in the development of skill with the hands, and a happy means of expression for the young worker. With the above three uses, art in the classroom provides the touch of beauty and color often lacking else- where in the pupil's life, and which is always felt and en- joyed.


The work with the Junior High has been the adaptation of problems in drawing, lettering, and design, to the sub- jects studied, and the interests of the 7th Grade pupils.


In the Senior High classes, the art work has been of a most practical kind. Large panels of illustrated Nursery Rhymes were painted and are being framed to be sent to the four Elementary Schools for wall decorations. The seal of "The Valley Wheel" was designed at Agawam High, and was accepted for the placques made up for the Valley schools. The new "Mirror" cover and several de- partment headings were designed for the new appearance of the school paper. Scenery, posters, costumes, decora-


124


tions, all the many and varied art needs of high school life have motivated most of the work in the art classes this past year. Opportunity for work in advanced Drawing and Painting, and Commercial Design is also offered to those interested.


It is my hope this year to revise the entire course of study in art, so that the work may be brought up to the most useful and most modern trends in art education.


The annual exhibition of art and handwork was held at the High School in June.


Respectfully submitted,


MARY M. CROWLEY, Supervisor of Art


125


REPORT OF THE GIRLS' PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT


To the Superintendent of Schools :


The course of study for the past year was fundamentally the same as that covered in 1934. By adding new skills, rhythms, stunts, achievement tests, athletic games, and broadening our intramural athletics, our program continues to fill the needs of the growing girl.


This year the freshman class had a Hygiene and Home Nursing course, the purpose being to teach the girls how to attain health and happiness in the present and lay the foundation for a sane and vigorous old age; to give direc- tions for preventing the spread of infection from cases of communicable disease, and to furnish instruction in caring for oneself and one's family both under ordinary conditions and in time of accident or sickness in the home.


The Physical Education program for girls in the Junior- Senior High has been based on the following aims :


To-


1. Develop organic vigor.


2. Develop symmetry, control and grace of bodily move- ment.


3. Develop ability to meet physical emergencies.


4. Develop alertness and quick response.


126


-


5. Develop and strenthen such qualities of character as honesty, generosity, modesty, fairness and loyalty in social contact through actual practice in games and sports.


6. Promote hygienic school and home life.


7. Create in youth an intelligent and healthful interest in physical activity and give them a fund of activity material for use in leisure time.


8. Promote the desire for wholesome association and re- creation.


9. Develop the proper spirit toward victory and defeat.


In closing may I extend my thanks for the fine new Gym- nasium floor which all the classes are enjoying.


Respectfully submitted, THELMA E. HEIDEL,


Supervisor of Girls' Physical Education


127


REPORT OF THE BOYS' PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT


To the Superintendent of Schools :


The following is a brief resume of the Physical Educa- tion Department's program for the past year.


The objective has been to encourage corrective play and exercise and to awaken and develop in all students a wider athletic interest. How well we have succeeded in this is evidenced by the enthusiasm and deportment of the gym- nasium classes and the large well-conditioned team squads.


The class program consisted of sports in season with in- struction in fundamentals out of doors. The indoor pro- gram embraced the same idea in conjunction with the usual formal gymnasium work. Some distinction has been made between the Junior and the Senior High School pro- grams. The lower school program has adhered to the idea that younger boys need careful and progressive exer- cise together with the discipline of the formal work in- volved in marching, calisthenics, apparatus work and games. In the Senior High School program more attention has been given to purely recreational values and considerable allowance has been made for individual preferences, with the idea of encouraging recreation to be carried over into later adult life.


The school was successfully represented in interscholas- tic football, basketball, track and baseball. Hockey will be


128


fostered for the first time this winter, and thus a new field of activity has been opened to another large group of boys. A basketball team that played in the finals of the Massachusetts State College Tournament and a sensation- ally high scoring football team which ended its season with a smashing 34-6 win over West Springfield were the high lights of our sports program.


Agawam boys as school citizens were clean and courag- eous in competition and it has been a happy privilege to have worked with and for them.


Respectfully submitted, HARMON A. SMITH, Supervisor of Boys' Physical Education


129


REPORT OF THE INDUSTRIAL ARTS DEPARTMENT


To the Superintendent of Schools :


I present herewith a report of the Industrial Arts De- partment.


Some time ago the National Education Association made an exhaustive study of educational effort in this country. Its recommendation to all educators was that they should guide each pupil in the development of interests, ideals, habits, and powers which would enable him to find his rightful place in society and use that place to elevate his group to a higher plane of living. In order to obtain this ideal the association outlined certain objectives of educa- tion which it believed should be emphasized in the train- ing of each child, they are: command of fundamental pro- cesses; worthy home membership; worthy use of leisure time; vocation, health, citizenship, and ethical character. I have been interested in picturing the activities of this de- partment in the light of these seven principles.


Command of Fundamental Processes : A boy making a project through use of a drawing and specifications must give the various operations considerable thought. He must measure accurately and figure correctly to obtain the de- sired result, and through the whole process he must per- sist and overcome all obstacles. When his project is fin- ished, his powers of observation are strengthened by a comparison of the result with his vision of what it was


130


to have been. Accordingly he develops invaluable char- acter traits which are a foundation for future activity.


Worthy Home Membership: Most articles made in the school shop are for the home. A boy sees the need of some convenience in his home and through his own efforts he fills that need. He becomes more interested in his home, and as a result gets more enjoyment from it.


Worthy Use of Leisure Time : Industrial Art fulfills the need of this objective · better perhaps than any other sub- ject. Workers in fields of both mental and physical effort find relaxation in hobbies fostered by the school shop.


Vocation : This department is not truly vocational in nature but it does lay a sound foundation for allied trades. Nothing is presented which must later be forgotten.


Health : It is difficult for the department to deal direct- ly with problems of health other than advice on safety, but through cooperation with the Physical Education De- partments in building equipment for them it does make a contribution in this field.


Citizenship : By developing habits of industry, coopera- tion, honest thinking, and vision (which is stressed throughout the course and more directly by the construc- tion and repair of school equipment) a boy becomes con- scious of the school community in which he lives and gains a proper attitude toward it.


Ethical Character: The ethical effect upon a boy's character of a true sense of order, system, harmony of de- sign, beauty, and honest workmanship cannot be other than worthwhile. Industrial Art, by virtue of its immediate physical result which must typify the kind of work done, proves to a boy that whatever he puts into a project is re- turned to him. Improvement in workmanship is a criterion


131


by which to judge certain improvements in the worker's character.


I have used all the facilities of the department to make it contribute its bit toward the realization of these objec- tives.


Respectfully submitted, FREDERICK T. DACEY, Supervisor of Industrial Arts


132


REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT


To the Superintendent of Schools :


The enrollment in the Agricultural Department during the past year has included twelve boys in poultry raising, fourteen in vegetable gardening, six in orcharding, and seven in animal husbandry.


In state-wide judging contests, a few boys have done ex- ceptionally fine work. William Hastings placed second in fruit judging and Walter Kerr third; while Clovis Goyette, Albert Christopher, and William Spear have consistently placed high in vegetable judging.


The tendency of Agricultural boys to fail in English has recently been given serious attention. Last year Miss Dickerman, with the approval of Mr. Williams, started a group for the purpose of giving individual instruction. Such extra time and work given by the English Department is especially appreciated by the Agricultural Department, and an improved attitude toward the study of English is ex- pected.


The new work bench and carpentry tools recently added to the equipment of the Agricultural room is a great con- venience.


Respectfully submitted, LOUIS H. MOSELEY, Agricultural Instructor


133


134


TEACHERS' APPOINTMENTS, RESIGNATIONS AND TRANSFERS-1935


APPOINTMENTS


Name


School


Grade


Began Service


Anna C. Barberis


Agawam Center


Grade I-II-III


Sept., 1935


Jeanie A. Provost


Agawam Center


Grade I


Sept., 1935


Della M. Lamson


North Agawam


Grade I


Sept., 1935


RESIGNATIONS


Name


School


Grade


Service Ended


Lora M. Bettinger


Springfield Street


Grade I


June, 1935


Mary F. Holmes


Agawam Center Grade V


June, 1935


Theresa Kuivila


Agawam Center


Grade I


June, 1935


TEACHERS UNDER APPOINTMENT


DECEMBER 31, 1935


Superintendent Benjamin J. Phelps


Subject or Grade


Education Yale College, B.A. Columbia University, M.A.


Began Service in Agawam


Supervisors Mary M. Crowley Ruth A. Perry


Art


Mass. School of Art, B.S.


Sept. 1926


Music


Keene Normal School


Boston University, B.S. Sept., 1926


High School F. Earl Williams Mrs. Hazel C. Aldrich Frederick T. Dacey Thelma E. Heidel


Principal Mass. State College, M.S. Sept., 1927


Domestic Science


Skidmore College of Arts


Sept., 1922


Manual Training


Fitchburg State College, B.S.


Sept., 1922


Bouve Boston School of Physical Education Sept., 1934


Harmon A. Smith


Physical Training and Coach of Girls' Athletics Physical Training Y. M. C. A. College and Coach of Boys' Athletics Agriculture


Sept., 1924


Louis H. Moseley Muriel E. Andrews


English


Gertrude M. Belyea


Commercial


Mass. State College, B.S. University of New Hampshire, B.A. Nasson Institute


Sept., 1929


Sept. 1934 Sept., 1930


July, 1922


135


TEACHERS UNDER APPOINTMENT-(Continued)


Subject or Grade


Education


Began Service in Agawam


Ruth E. Dickerman


English


Mt. Holyoke College, B.A.


Sept., 1933


Allan M. Hadley


Science


Clark University, B.A.


Sept., 1927


Florence M. Henry


English


Smith College, B.A.


Sept., 1934


Elaine W. Mansfield


French


Smith College, B.A.


Sept., 1930


Clara L. McIntire


Northeastern University, B.C.S.


Mass. State College, M.S.


Sept., 1922


Eleanor B. Miller


Typewriting and Shorthand Latin and Mathematics


Smith College, B.A.


Sept., 1928


Katharine M. Phealan


Smith College, B.A.


Sept., 1927


John M. Quirk


Middlebury College, B.S.


Jan., 1923


George L. Reynolds


Commercial


Amherst College, B.A.


Sept., 1933


Eleanor H. Smith


Mathematics


Smith College, B.A.


Columbia University, M.A.


Sept., 1922


Marjorie Ward


History


Smith College, B.A.


Columbia University, M.A.


Sept. 1922


Cora M. Barnes


History


Westfield State College,


Sept., 1922


Jean Carman


Social Science


Westfield State College,


Sept., 1929


Eleanor C. Daly


English


Westfield State College,


Sept., 1923


Annette E. Deely


History and Hygiene Westfield State College,


Sept., 1921


Raymond E. Harris


Science


Fitchburg State College


Sept., 1930


Mae P. Lynch


Mathematics


Westfield State College


Sept., 1919


Emily M. McCormick


Mathematics


Westfield State College


Sept., 1924


English and History Science


136


137


TEACHERS UNDER APPOINTMENT-(Continued)


Viva M. Potter


Catherine T. Powers


Mrs. Marion C. Smith


Special Class


Education Keene Normal School Westfield State College Boston University, B.S. Providence Normal


Began Service in Agawam Sept., 1925


Sept., 1917 Sept., 1929


Agawam Center School Mary E. McDowell


Principal and Grade VI


Eastern State Normal Sept., 1926


Dorothy E. Hansen


Grade VI


Westfield State College


Nov., 1932


Marguerite C. Kramer


Grade V


North Adams State College Farmington Normal


Sept., 1930


Nora M. Chandler


Grade IV


Sept., 1927


Merriam S. Weeks


Grade III


Westfield State College


Sept., 1926


Cecily C. Pratt


Grade II


Fitchburg State College


Sept., 1928


Anna C. Barberis


Grades I-II-III


Westfield State College


Sept., 1935


Jeanie A. Provost


Grade I


Westfield State College


Sept., 1935


North Agawam School Katherine G. Danahy


Principal and Grade VI


Westfield State College


Sept., 1899


Kathryn M. Roache


Grade VI


Westfield State College


Sept., 1922


Julia R. Chriscolo


Grade V


Westfield State College


Sept., 1934


Alice B. Connolly


Grade V


Fitchburg State College


Dec., 1929


Alice Mckeown


Grade IV


Westfield State College


Sept., 1923


Olive A. Fox


Grade III


Westfield State College


Sept., 1914


Subject or Grade English Social Science


TEACHERS UNDER APPOINTMENT-(Continued)


North Agawam (cont.)


Subject or Grade


Began Service in Agawam


Julia A. O'Connell


Grade II


Jennie M. Lucas


Grade I


Della M. Lamson Grade I


Westfield State College


Sept., 1935


Anne M. Murphy


Special Class


Westfield State College


Sept., 1934


Springfield St. School Faolin M. Peirce


Principal and Grade II


Sept., 1909


Mrs. C. W. Southworth


Grade VI


Sept., 1932


Dorothy M. Emerson


Grade V


Springfield Normal Fitchburg State College University of Vermont Training Class Westfield State College


Sept., 1925


Elizabeth C. McCormick Grade IV


Sept., 1927


Ruth M. Cassidy


Grade III Grade I


Westfield State College Westfield State College


Sept., 1934


Feeding Hills School Mrs. Madrine W. Allen


Principal and Grade VI


Plymouth, N. H. Normal Westfield State College Castine Normal School Westfield State College


April, 1933


Marguerite A. Coyle


Grades IV-V


Sept., 1934


Ruth M. Ripley


Grades III-IV


Sept., 1925


Elizabeth A. Wyman


Grades I-II


Sept., 1934


West Street School Myrtle L. Pomeroy


Grades I-II-III-IV


Westfield State College


Sept., 1934


Education Springfield Kindergarten Southington Training


April, 1927 Sept., 1900


138


Sept., 1929


Jennie B. Lesniak


REPORT OF State Audit


February 25, 1935


To the Board of Selectmen


Mr John L. Burke, Chairman Agawam, Massachusetts


Gentlemen : I submit herewith my report of an audit of the accounts of the town of Agawam for the period from June 17, 1932 to November 17, 1934, made in accordance with the provisions of Chaper 44 of the General Laws. This report is in the form of a report made to me by Mr. Herman B. Dine, Assistant Director of Accounts.


Very truly yours, THEODORE N. WADDELL, Director of Accounts TNW:ERW


Mr. Theodore N. Waddell


Director of Accounts


Department of Corporations and Taxation State House, Boston


Sir : As directed by you I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Agawam for the period


139


from June 17, 1932, the date of the previous audit, to No- vember 17, 1934, and submit the following report thereon.


The financial transactions as recorded in the books of the several departments collecting money for the town or committing bills for collection were examined and checked.


The books and records in the bookkeepers' department were examined and checked in detail. The receipts as re- corded were compared with the treasurer's cash book and with the records of the departments in which charges originated or money was collected for the town. The pay- ments were checked with the selectmen's warrants and with the treasurer's record of payments.


The appropriations as recorded on the ledger were checked with the town clerk's records of town meeting proceedings and an analysis of the appropriation accounts showed that several accounts had been overdrawn. Atten- tion in this connection is called to the provisions of Section 31, Chapter 44, General Laws, which reads as follows :




Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.